2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, showcased a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its rugged look. The Adventure trim, introduced the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The new TRD Off-Road trim for 2020 took these features further with smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special TRD suspension setup. The TRD Off-Road trim also featured unique interior touches like TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with the otherwise high-quality materials used throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing both its interior and exterior. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, L-shaped taillights, and an updated grille. The RX also offered new paint colors and an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX continued to impress with a variety of interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The cabin maintained a luxurious feel with leather-wrapped surfaces and a design that balanced style and durability.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multiple terrain-specific driving modes, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable on various surfaces. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road handled urban environments well, though its all-terrain tires weren't ideal for fast mountain driving. The test vehicle averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L variant offered slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid model combined the V6 with an electric motor for a total of 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX 450hL variant had a slightly different power output but maintained similar fuel efficiency. The RX's performance was smooth and refined, with adaptive variable suspension available on F Sport models. The RX's drive modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with additional Sport S+ and Customize modes for F Sport models. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h excelled with 30 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with a low and sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good thigh support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat on hot days, but the Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom, and the cargo space measured 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The test vehicle also had a robust roof rack and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior, while not as minimalist or stylish as some German competitors, was comfortable and functional. The two-row RX model accommodated four adults comfortably, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The front seats provided good comfort and visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than some rivals, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL models had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly and practical. Depending on the trim, the infotainment system featured a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, with the 8-inch system standard on the TRD Off-Road. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was free for three months or 2GB of data usage. The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its voice-recognition technology, and the optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, though often criticized, saw improvements for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, while still challenging to navigate, was mitigated by standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrated functionalities. The physical control of the infotainment system improved with a more responsive touchpad. The RX also added two additional USB ports, bringing the total to six. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring advanced driving assist safety features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and more. Toyota also provided a free one-year subscription to Safety Connect services. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights achieved this rating.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. Lexus also offered a three-year subscription to Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as some newer models.